Introducing Zimbabwe

Overview

A warm, hospitable welcome awaits you at The Residence, located in the historic suburb of Houghton, which is also home to many famous residents including former President Nelson Mandela. The Residence exudes a charming air of quiet dignity, with an abundance of bougainvillea blossoms cascading down the terraced gardens.

This is a gorgeous spot where you are treated with personalised service and are invited to make yourself at home.
The Residence is an extraordinary boutique hotel that is truly one of a kind, no effort has been spared in creating the most sublime surroundings to surpass your greatest expectations. On arrival at The Residence, you are greeted warmly and graciously before being shown around the guest areas on the ground floor. There is an immediate awareness of the sophisticated splendour of the interior and an all-pervading atmosphere of total tranquillity.

The entrance hall leads through to the sumptuous lounge and sitting room with plush furnishings inviting carefree relaxation for all seasons. A cosy log fire is lit in the fireplace on chilly days, while doors opening onto the long, spacious veranda offer a cool respite from the warm African sun.

Guests are welcome to take a stroll through the manicured gardens and enjoy a game of tennis or swim a few lengths in the large outdoor pools. Enjoy a work out at our gymnasium or play a round of golf on the Houghton Golf Course.

Overview

Surrounded by private landscaped gardens in the upmarket suburb of Atholl, this intimate boutique hotel is an elegant property which combines modern pieces with classic design. Not only is AtholPlace part of the prestigious Morukuru Family, but it also holds the status of a Relais & Chateaux property, promising excellence in both style and cuisine.

The nine comfortable suites range from deluxe to superior, each with their own individual style with a bold monochrome design and neutral colours presiding throughout. Deluxe rooms feature interleading doors, which makes them ideal for families. All enjoy a homely ambience and provide bundles of space and comfort – plus mod cons and a private balcony.

Choose to dine on delicious meals in the sophisticated dining area or under the trees in the lovely garden where the large swimming pool and deck are also found. Continuing with the theme of relaxation, AtlholPlace also features a library and lounge offering further spots to unwind, while the service from the team is truly top-notch.

Overview

A typically Western business-style hotel, the standard of service, on-site facilities not to mention the Intercontinental’s enviable position so close to the Johannesburg Tambo Airport makes it an excellent and convenient hotel for those on their way out or in to the country. In fact this is the most sophisticated hotel next to an airport in the whole of Africa.

The rooms are all soundproofed and smartly dressed with all the creature comforts that one expects from such a hotel.

Overview

The Saxon is the most elegant mix of class, quiet gardens, history and luxury service.

Even though this hotel is known for being Nelson Mandela’s home whilst he penned his ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ autobiography after being released from prison, it has been made famous by its attentive staff, excellent Spa, chic African style and for being an intimately smart sanctuary in this busy city.

Located in the upmarket business district of Sandhurst, the Saxon’s 24 suites are contemporary with definitive African influences and impressions throughout. The overall effect is a deluxe boutique one which never fails to remind you of the vibrant character and culture around you.

Overview

Wilderness Linkwasha Camp lies in the south-eastern corner of the legendary Hwange National Park, on a private concession close to the famed Ngamo Plains, offering excellent year-round game viewing that peaks during the summer months. Though Hwange is Zimbabwe’s most popular national park, Linkwasha’s private concessions means that guests will never see another game vehicle except those from the camp.

A completely new camp, built from the ground up on the footprint of the old Linkwasha, the fresh, open and airy design is complemented by an eclectic mix of contemporary interiors with the original spirit and essence of safari.

Eight en-suite luxury tents and one family tent overlook the waterhole, with the communal areas, including a pool area and a winter lounge complete with library, enjoying the same view.

If you want to get even closer to nature, spend a night on Wilderness Linkwasha’s Star Bed, located on a raised platform a short drive from the main camp with nothing but a mosquito net between you and the wild. Overlooking Scott’s Pan, a favourite drinking spot for game, you can be assured of incredible sightings and a guide will be set up a short distance away should you need any assistance during the night.

Wildlife frequently encountered in this area includes lion, large herds of elephant, buffalo, leopard, spotted hyena, giraffe, sable, blue wildebeest, impala, waterbuck and reedbuck. In summer, wildebeest, zebra and eland are found in abundance on the open plains, while in winter elephant congregate in enormous numbers around the waterholes. Typically for Zimbabwe, birdlife in the area is prolific with over 400 species recorded.

Aside from day and evening game drives, the bush can be explored on foot and respectful visits to a local village can also be organised.

Overview

Within one of the best game viewing areas in Hwange National Park, the south-eastern Linkwasha Concession, Wilderness Davison’s Camp is a classic and very comfortable tented safari stay. Its nine spacious canvas tents are uniquely designed in beautiful Zimbabwean textiles and calming earthy tones for an authentic feel. Each tent gives you a vantage point of the watering hole where you can watch in wonder as the procession of wildlife arrives to drink.

The main tent has a traditional lounge and dining area. The pool makes for a tempting afternoon dip after a morning of safari activities, while the open campfire sets the scene for cosy fireside chats under the light of the Milky Way. 

The real highlight though is the variety of wildlife experiences in this region, that makes Wilderness Davison’s Camp one of the best game experiences in all Zimbabwe. It’s common to see a wide array of animals, including lions, large herds of elephants, buffalo, leopards, buffalo, spotted hyena, southern giraffe, sable, blue wildebeest, impala, common waterbuck and reedbuck – many of which simply come to you at the camp’s nearby waterhole. These awe-inspiring moments will have you holding your breath, watching in wonder at the majesty of the creatures around you.

Overview

The Hide Safari Camp was set up in 1992 by the Preston family out of their passion for nature and the beauty of Hwangwe National Park. The area, now a private concession on the park’s eastern edge, was once the royal hunting ground of Ndebele kings and is famous for its abundant and diverse wildlife. Today, this camp has established and partnered with foundations to protect the wildlife and benefit the local community.

The Hide’s main camp has ten tents, two of which are slightly larger than the others. Each tent is mosquito-proof and has an en-suite bathroom, a fan for your comfort in summer and extra warm blankets and hot water bottles for the cool winter months. There’s also Tom’s Little Hide, a secluded three-bedroom cottage with awesome views of the waterhole that’s best suited for up to six adults and four children. For an unforgettable night, The Dove’s Nest Treehouse is a sleep-out experience for those who are a little more adventurous.

The hub of the camp is the ‘A-frame’ which houses the dining room, a downstairs sun lounge and a large comfortable lounge area upstairs. There’s also a plunge pool near the main lounge and dining room, and a tunnel leading to a wine cellar and hide.

During a stay here you can expect to see herds of elephants, buffalo, lion, leopard and African wild dog, as well as some of the four hundred bird species, which you can spot on game drives and walking safaris. There’s a waterhole just metres away from the tents, which attracts a wide variety of wildlife and can be viewed from your personal veranda or the hide. Other activities include visits to community projects and conservation initiatives.

Overview

One of the few camps in this, the Park’s 31,000 hectare Makalolo concession, Wilderness Little Makalolo also affords a fantastic position in front of a busy waterhole, which is often surrounded by a wide variety of fascinating game life and African birds.

The camp is small and intimate, with only six chalets, each of which has been decorated with a combination of wooden and brass furnishings. Built in the shade of large teak trees, the walls are made of gauze to allow for plenty of air to flow through for a pleasant night’s sleep. Each of the tents also comes with an en-suite bathroom, with indoor and outdoor shower facilities and his and hers copper sinks.

The camp’s pool offers a great place to relax and cool off, there is also an elevated decking area where guests can sit and enjoy a sundowner, while looking out at the wildlife surrounding the popular watering hole.

Overview

Set by the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp is located by the elephants’ much-loved albida trees, favoured for their pods, which makes the camp ideal for being able to view these massive mammals without even having to leave the lodge.

From the camp’s position on the banks of the river, you can see the Great Rift Valley on the opposite side of the Zambezi, a view which you can take in from the comfortable star-gazing deck. Each of the ten tented rooms have indoor and outdoor showers, and there’s a dining and lounge area, plus an infinity pool for cooling off after a safari.

When it comes to exploring the land, there are a variety of options. You can discover the area on foot on a walking safari, or take to the water for a cruise in a nine-seat pontoon, six-seat speed boat or even a canoe. Naturally, game drives leave every morning and afternoon, too.

Birds are prevalent, with species including the western banded snake-eagle, three-banded courser, Arnot’s chat, African golden oriole, and Meve’s starling. Other types of wildlife you can see on safari from Ruckomechi (aside from the resident elephants) include leopard, hippo, Burchell’s zebra, lion and buffalo.

Overview

Located in an exclusive, private wilderness area on Mana Pools’ eastern boundary, surrounded by wildlife-rich woodlands, floodplains, pans, islands and rivers, sits Wilderness Chikwenya. A tented camp, sustainably constructed that delivers a high level of luxury and comfort through its stunning design, facilities and incredible attention to detail. Chandeliers are created with cotton and wood or strung with stones, large four-poster beds are swathed in white fabric (also acting as mosquito protection) and old-style lanterns light up the alfresco dining areas come evening.

The seven-tented suites (including two family units) are surrounded by a dense forest of albida and Natal mahogany trees, which provide shade in the heat of the day. The tents stand on low decks with wooden walkways that link them to the raised main area. 

The lounge, dining and bar areas boast beautiful views and with comfortable furniture including large sofas, as well as dining chairs and tables, these areas are perfect for relaxation. A refreshing swimming pool, deck and fireplace complete the camp’s list of luxurious spaces guests can enjoy. 

The camp includes daily wildlife viewing activities including game drives, nature walks, seasonal boating, canoeing and river cruises. Huge amounts of elephants are known to roam close to camp along with high concentrations of buffalos, while predators such as lions, wild dogs, leopard, and cheetah are often sighted. Greater kudu, Burchell’s zebra, impala, warthog, and common waterbuck can be seen on the surrounding plains and the grunting of hippo can be heard all day.

Overview

A historic landmark and an attraction in itself, the ‘grand old lady of the Falls’ still packs as much colonial flair and character as she always has, and has long been one of the most magnificent places to stay here.

The stately Edwardian style building has been here since 1904 and still commands the atmospheric appeal of the age of adventurer, standing at the rendezvous point where many pioneers have chosen to meet over the last century.

Of course outfitted with the modern comforts and demands, the hotel has kept up with the times and all of its 176 well-equipped rooms are proof of this. Furthermore there are a phenomenal level of facilities here to spoil you right in the middle of untamed Africa, and their wonderfully manicured and tropical gardens are lovely to take a stroll around.

One of the best things about the Victoria Falls hotel is its position, being seated just ten minutes’ walk away from the cascades along one of the hotel’s private pathways. There is nothing quite like taking afternoon tea on the Stanley Terrace, listening to the muted roar of the falls, and a royal view of the rising mist from the ‘smoke that thunders’ and the silhouette of the Victoria Falls bridge that links Zimbabwe with Zambia.

If you choose to stay here, you’ll be following in many a royal family’s footsteps and those of many a famous figure, that aside you can’t fail to the feel the history and enduring elegance of this hotel.

Overview

As the first lodge to be built in the Zambezi National Park, this property has certainly nabbed one of the best positions, so close to the Falls that you can even see the spray billowing into the sky in the near distance.

With thirteen vast tented chalets with contemporary style twists and modern amenities, you awake with folding back your canvas door, strolling onto your private wooden terrace, to be greeted by wild nature and sublime river views. Five of these feature a children’s room and all are to feature their own plunge pools out on private decks overlooking the Zambezi.

Activities from the lodge include game drives and walking safaris into the national park, river cruises, canoeing, fishing and birding. On request, the more adventurous can try activities that Victoria Falls is renowned for – white water rafting, bungee jumping and flights over the falls.